Amazing and sustainable: Leigh Radford and Imperial Stock Ranch

One of the things we’ll be introducing more into the Seed Stitch line up are products that are eco-friendly, local or sustainable.  However, we’re not willing to give up great design, lovely hand feel, and we don’t want to have to pay a fortune.

At TNNA I was lucky enough to meet the team from Imperial Stock Ranch.  These guys are truly doing it right.  Located in Shaniko Oregon, this 30,000 acre, family owned and operated ranch is a nationally recognized historic site.  “The Imperial Stock Ranch works closely with numerous public and private agencies on projects ranging from sustainable practices to wildlife restoration and preservation to help create an even healthier ranch environment.”

The fibers from the ranch come from their herd of Columbia sheep and all of the “wool is custom milled without harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, leaving it comfortable, soft and pure.”  All the colors are inspired from the unbelievable landscape of the ranch and use low impact dyes.  Here is another really great thing about this company — the yarns are actually spun in North America, which a rarity in today’s industry and they are looking for outlets to spin and process the yarn right here in the good old USA in the near future.  As well, some of their new colors are actually all natural dyes from coffee grounds from the ranch and surrounding areas as well as other gorgeous colors from merlot grapes.

So what will you see from these guys at Seed Stitch?  We will have some amazing accessory kits in the store soon.

This not so great iPhone picture just doesn't do them justice. But you get the idea right? Super cool?

Imperial Stock Ranch teamed up with Leigh Radford (who we love from AlterKnits and now her new book, AlterKnits Felt) to create these amazing felfted bracelet designs.  We’ll also be getting in some knit and then felted hat and scarf kits.  They are not to be missed.  Another interesting product I picked up from Imperial while at TNNA is some super soft pencil roving.  We’re going to play with it in the shop and we’ll let you know what we think.